DELHI - NEEMRANA - SAMODE - NAWALGARH - BIKANER - JAISALMER - ROHET - UDAIPUR - DUNGARPUR - DEOGARH - JAIPUR - FATEPHUR SIKRI - AGRA - DELHI 

Experience the lavish and indulgent character of Rajasthani emperor tradition, where palaces, forts and paradise in the desert await you.  This tour takes in some of Rajasthan's less travelled sights as well as its most famous, romantic and magnificent cities, staying in palace hotels along the way.  Staying in such environments gives the visitor the chance to really feel how reigning Maharajas once lived, and their luxury lifestyle is still very much alive.  We explore ancient temples, forts and palaces and venture out into the desert along ancient camel routes.  The trip finishes with a journey to the incomparable Taj Mahal, and a look at Delhi's most interesting sights.

This three week trip is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself completely in the rich, sumptuous life and soul of royal Rajasthan, making unforgettable discoveries of the religious and historical threads that entwine to make India's rich cultural fabric today.

ITINERARY

DAY 01  DELHI - NEEMRANA
On arrival in Delhi, you are met and we transfer by car directly to Neemrana, 122 kms away in the desert state of Rajasthan.  We check into your stunning accommodation at the fascinating Neemrana Fort Palace Resort.

DAY 02  NEEMRANA
The Neemrana Fort Palace is situated on a majestic plateau concealed in a horseshoe formation of the Aravalli ranges, considered the oldest fold mountains in the world.  The beginnings of this rugged architectural jewel, which rises to nine levels, date back to 1464 AD, making it India's oldest heritage resort. The day is free for you to explore around the village and enjoy the beautiful surroundings bursting with historical flavour.

DAY 03  NEEMRANA - SAMODE  
We drive the short distance to Samode, a village famed for its magnificent haveli (mansion) and fort.  With a colourful history of feuding Rajput clans taking the surrounding kingdom in turn, Samode used to be almost exclusively a strategic fortress location.  In the 19th century, it began to take on a more lavish character under the reign of Rawal Berisal.  The extravagant Darbar Hall, with its intricate floral decoration and overlooking gallery, and the Sheesh Mahal (the hall of mirrors), owe their existence to this legacy.  Now Samode Palace is a unique fairytale kingdom, with the nostalgia of its princely past shining from every niche.  We stay overnight in this dream-like place, enveloping ourselves in the rich wafts of luxury that the Maharajas themselves enjoyed.

DAY 04  SAMODE - NAWALGARH
We drive from Samode to Nawalgarh.  A heritage resort atop the Shivalik Hills, Nawalgarh Fort is situated in the heart of the Shekhawati region in a magnificent setting.  Founded in the 18th Century by Nawal Singh, it has some of the finest frescoed havelis in the Shekhawati region.  A huge fort, with a colourful bazaar and numerous havelis exhibiting elaborate architecture, it is a fascinating place to stay and explore.

DAY 05  NAWALGARH
The day's activity includes a traditional Rajasthani lunch, and an excursion to the nearby towns of Lachhmangarh and Fatehpur for the better appreciation of the Shekhawati region.  Rich in artistic flavour that is joyfully exhibited at every turn, the region is known as 'the largest open air art gallery of the world'.  We take some time here in awe of the sights.

DAY 06  NAWALGARH - BIKANER  
We transfer by car to the traditional 'camel city' of Bikaner and check into your hotel. After a brief leisure time to freshen up, we venture out to explore this ancient city on the old camel trading route.  Much of its past has remained unchanged, and we visit the well-preserved Junagarh Fort before visiting Bikaner's unique camel breeding farm in the evening.

DAY 07  BIKANER - JAISALMER
Today we drive through the Thar Desert, marvelling along the way at the vast emptiness reaching up to the sky.  We reach Jaisalmer in time to check into the hotel, another former palace, and take an evening walk in the Fort of Jaisalmer - it is still inhabited and is abuzz with a distinct and vibrant lifestyle.

DAY 08  JAISALMER
We spend the morning visiting two of Jaisalmer’s famous havelis.  In the afternoon we venture deep into the sand dunes beyond the city to marvel at the awesome desert landscape, a photographer's paradise.  Overnight is spent at the hotel.

DAY 09  JAISALMER - ROHET
We drive the short distance to Rohet  via a lesser-known route that takes us to Keechan.  At certain times of year, it is possible to marvel at the rare sight of thousands of migratory birds touring the desert sands.  We pass the ancient and charming town of Osivan, and reach Rohet Garh Palace, your delightful heritage hotel.  The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the Bishnoi village.  Past centuries come to life at the historic boundary walls of Rohet - the fortified desert home of the descendants of the 16th century Rathore of Champawat clan.
Frescoes adorn the tall gateway, brightly painted in the traditional style, and herald the entry into the portico, itself decorated with the artifacts and trophies dating hundreds of years old.

DAY 10  ROHET
In the morning we take an excursion to the nearby blue-hued city of Jodhpur, situated on the very edge of the Thar Desert. We spend time at the massive and imposing Mehrangarh Fort and its museum, and at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, before taking a stroll around Sardar Market and the Old Town, both bursting with traditional Rajasthani handicrafts.  Back at Rohet, the evening is free for your own activities.

DAY 11  ROHET - UDAIPUR
Today we drive through the forested tribal areas of the Aravalli ranges, stopping en route at the suberb Ranakpur Jain temples.  We reach Udaipur, a romantic city of lakes and palaces.  Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, Udaipur is often referred to as the 'Venice of the East'. Your hotel is a white marble palace that seems to float miraculously on the still waters of the serenely beautiful Lake Pichola.  Possibly the most romantic hotel in the world, this 250-year old palace offers guests a unique blend of serenity and opulence.  The rest of the day is at your leisure to settle in and indulge the senses.

DAY 12  UDAIPUR
After breakfast, we head out for a half day sightseeing tour of the City Palace and Saheliyon Ki Bari. The rest of the day is free to explore the interesting labyrinths around Jagdish temple on your own, and shop in the bustling markets. Taking boat ride on Lake Pichhola at sunset is an unforgettable way to enjoy your last evening in this, the most romantic of cities.

DAY 13  UDAIPUR - DUNGARPUR
We transfer by car to Dungarpur, an ancient and picturesque town at the centre of a district of the same name.  We check into the Udai Bilas Palace, a strikingly beautiful and lonely palace nestled in the hills beside a small lake. Later we visit the Juna Mahal (literally meaning Old Palace), a superb defensive fort that remained unconquered by either the Marathas or the Mughals.  Now a heritage resort, its formidable ramparts, colourful chambers, terraces, balconies and viewing points form a fascinating history just waiting to be discovered.

DAY 14  DUNGARPUR
The whole day is free for you to relax indulgently or explore as you choose in the serenity of Udai Bilas Palace.

DAY 15  DUNGARPUR - DEOGARH   After a leisurely breakfast, we drive towards Deogarh, visiting Eklingji and Nagda on the way.  Built in 734 AD, Eklingji is a complex of 108 Hindu temples leading down to a water course.  Exquisitely carved out of sandstone and marble, the inner sanctum contains a four-faced image of Shiva, to whom the temple is dedicated.   Nagda is an ancient settlement that is home to the tenth century Sas Bahu Temples, dedicated to the mother-in law (Sas) and the daughter-in-law (Bahu), and considered some of the finest temples in India. On arrival at Deogarh we check into the Deogarh Mahal - a palace of great character and ambience.

DAY 16  DEOGARH   We head out in the morning to Molela village, famous for its regional terracotta crafts, and then onto the spectacular Kumbhalgarh Fort.  In the afternoon, you have the option of taking a unique safari on horseback around the nearby villages of this rugged region, or you can simply relax in splendour.

DAY 17  DEOGARH - JAIPUR   We transfer to the Pink City of Jaipur by car. On arrival we check into your hotel. The evening is free to walk around the local interesting bazaars.

DAY 18  JAIPUR
Today we take a short drive outside the city walls to Amber Fort, a magnificent achievement of Rajput architecture.  Ride up to the fort in style on the broad back of an elephant, and once again taste life lived consistently for centuries. Afterwards we return to Jaipur and visit the City Palace, or the Palace of Winds.  Nearby, the Jantar Mantar Royal Observatory is a delightful playground of astrology and science, built by the Maharajah Jai Singh, who had a passion for astronomy.  The evening is free for you to shop and enjoy local Rajasthani cuisine, or take a stroll along streets lined with great heritage buildings.  Overnight is spent at your hotel.

DAY 19  JAIPUR - FATEPHUR SIKRI - AGRA
We set off early in the morning to drive to Agra, stopping en route at Fatephur Sikri.  Fatepur Sikri was abandoned when the town’s water supply dried up, and taking a wander through its deserted streets is a surreal yet valuable experience.  At Agra, we check into the hotel and head out for the Taj Mahal at dusk, watching the sunset under the gaze of the Taj Mahal from the opposite bank of the river. 

DAY 20  AGRA - DELHI
After a leisurely breakfast we visit the magnificent Taj Mahal - one of the seven wonders of the world and surely the most extravagant expression of love ever created.  We spend several hours exploring this sacred sight and learning its history before exploring Agra’s Red Fort set high above the city.  Late in the day we begin our drive back to Delhi, and arrive in the evening, transferring to your hotel.

DAY 21  DELHI  
After breakfast at the hotel, we head out by car for a comprehensive tour of Delhi.  We visit the beautiful Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.  From here we go to the imposing Mughal Red Fort and Ghandi Samadi (the hallowed cremation ground of Ghandi), before taking a walk through the labyrinth of frenetic streets that make up Chandni Chowk, the vivid, colourful bazaar abuzz with the life and soul of Old Delhi.

After Old Delhi, the tree-lined boulevards of New Delhi seem startlingly spacious.  We stop for lunch in Connaught Place, which houses many famous restaurants with a good choice of different cuisine. After lunch we start our tour of New Delhi at the enchanting Laxmi Narayan Temple, and take a drive past The Presidents House to India Gate. We spend time enjoying the peace and tranquility of Humayan's Tomb, and marvelling at the Bhai Temple (a perfect lotus-shaped temple) and Qutab Minar.

In the evening there is time for shopping before viewing a spectacular light and sound show at the Red Fort.  We return to the hotel for dinner and rest.

DAY 22  DELHI   We transfer to the airport or station for your onward journey.  Tour ends.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

All accommodation on a room-only basis.

All transfers by car including pick-ups and drop-offs at start and end of tour.

All sightseeing tours as specified.

Tour Cost
Per Person on Twin Sharing :  -  USD $ 1494